Last week the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration with closer Kenley Jansen, but they're still looking for a reliever. In Houston, the Astros might be close to signing a free-agent starting pitcher.
According to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, the Dodgers are "working to add a late-inning reliever." This is likely in the form of a setup man since they retained Jansen on a one-year, $7.425 million deal and they're currently looking to get rid of reliever Brandon League, who is owed $8.5 million in 2015. They acquired Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this offseason, but it's unclear if he'll have a significant role as the team's setup man.
It's unknown how the Dodgers will go about acquiring said relief pitcher, whether it be free agency or a trade, but there are some solid arms available to sign. Francisco Rodriguez, Casey Janssen, Rafael Soriano, Jesse Crain and others are still on the free agent market. All of these right-handers have extensive experience in relief, but it's likely the Dodgers don't want to pay a lot for someone to join the bullpen because they already released Brian Wilson and his $9.5 million salary and are looking to get rid of League.
Perhaps Paco Rodriguez and Carlos Frias step up in spring training and the team won't have to worry if they can't find someone they like.
While the Dodgers search for relief, the Houston Astros are looking for a starter. The team is said to be in "serious discussions" with free-agent starter Ryan Vogelsong, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Last week it was noted Vogelsong, Kyle Kendrick, Brandon Beachy and Chad Billingsley could be options, but it appears the former San Francisco Giant is their top choice.
Houston has revamped their roster this offseason in acquiring relievers Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis, infielder Jed Lowrie, third baseman Luis Valbuena and pitcher Dan Straily. They relieved themselves of $9 million earlier today when they traded outfielder Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs, so they have some more cash to spend.
Although Vogelsong's experience would be a solid addition to the back-end of the rotation, they're really in need of a No. 1 starter, so perhaps they also look to sign James Shields or trade for one of the plentiful starters in the Washington Nationals' rotation (Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann or Doug Fister).
